DEATH OF CAPTAIN DAWSON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 21, 26 January 1897, Page 5

DEATH OF CAPTAIN DAWSON.

The flags in the city yesterday wero lowered in ruspecb to the memory of the late Captain Dawson, who died suddenly on Sunday naorniug at his residence Mount Albert. Captain Dawson arrived in the colony in i§7o, and for many years was resident at Hamilton, and latterly held office ia the Customs Department, Auckland. Ho was an enthusiastic Freemason and an aidant Bportsman, bub since the death of. his wife a few years ago had live/d ia comparative retirement. His familiar figure will be missed with repeat, for his uniform courtesy and kindliness had endeared him to a large circle ot acquaintances, and gained him many warm friends. He was buried yestorday, at Mounb Albert cemetery, the Rev. M.x Larkins reading the burial service. Greab fltympathy ia felb for his family, aix oi whoaa, two daughters and four sons, are lefb. ■■■ ■■ Captain Dawson was born at Lisnamorrow House, County Derry, and ab tbe age of 17 entered the army as ensign in the 67bh line. He served with his regiment through tbe North China war of 1060, receiving a medal with two clasps. During this campaign he was actively engaged ab the action of Sinho, che taking of Tangku, and as acting captain of the 67th he formed one oi a storming party at the taking of the Taku forts. In this engagement he was the fourth man to enter tho breach, and pressing on was in time to receive the falling body of his friend Ensign Chaplin (V.C.)i who was wounded whilst planting the regimental colours on the cavalier of the fort. Captain Dawson received a wound here which has latterly given him some trouble. Afterwards he was present ab the looting of the Summer Palace and surrender of Pekin. In 1862 be served against the Taeping rebels, and was engaged ab the taking of the fortified stockades of Nazian, the Btorming and capture of the walled city of Kading, and also commanded the stormers of the 67tL Regiment ab its second capture aome months later. At the close of the war Captain Daweon returned to Ireland, where he married bis late wife (Miss Bell), emigrating to New Zealand io 1870.